Alliance thrilled by awards honour

A local initiative which helps North Kirklees residents who are suffering from dementia has been nominated for a prestigious national award.

Kirklees Dementia Action Alliance (KDAA) is a finalist in the Alzheimer’s Society’s Best Dementia Friendly Community Initiative awards, which attracted more than 300 applications. It aims to make the district a safer and more welcoming place for patients with memory loss.

Coun Viv Kendrick said: “As a council and a community we are delighted to be recognised as one of the communities working hard to make Kirklees a very dementia-friendly community.

“People have given great support to KDAA and its work since it began in 2014, so it’s a community achievement we should all be proud of.”

The alliance has more than 100 members and partners, including the council, GP surgeries, police and local businesses. It is funded by the council and the NHS and runs projects aimed at people with dementia and their carers.

GP Dr David Kelly said: “It is amazing how great the local response has been to the ‘dementia friend’ initiative.

“The number of organisations signed up to support this worthy cause has been overwhelming.

“It is a great feeling to have our community effort in the finals and recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society.

“It is just the start and we hope to improve on what we have achieved so far in the coming months and years.”

The winner will be announced during a ceremony in London on September 16.